Contractors State License Board www.cslb.ca.gov | CheckTheLicenseFirst.com

Overview of Potential HVAC Energy Savings Most energy providers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program offer online tools that calculate your expected average monthly savings with HVAC systems that meet energy efficiency requirements. Over the lifetime of the equipment, a properly installed HVAC unit can yield up to a 300 percent return on your investment through lower energy bills.

EnergyStar.Gov recommends the following:

Energy Efficient Equipment

If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your house comfortable, have it evaluated by a professional HVAC contractor. If it is not performing efficiently or needs upgrading, consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR. Depending on where you live, replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR-qualified equipment can cut your energy bill by nearly $200 a year.

Duct Sealing

Duct systems that are properly sealed and insulated can make homes much more comfortable and energy efficient. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of a home’s heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent.

Quality HVAC Installation

Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with new, energy-efficient models is a great start. But to make sure that you get the best performance, the new equipment must be properly installed. In fact, improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent.

Contractors State License Board www.cslb.ca.gov | CheckTheLicenseFirst.com

Doing It Right! The Contractors State License Board and the California Energy Commission want consumers who are planning to purchase and install new heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) units to fully realize the anticipated savings from their investment in energy efficient equipment, and to avoid unscrupulous contractors. A hassle-free experience depends on understanding the benefits of having the job done right, and the potential risks when it isn’t.

Use the HVAC checklist on the following page to protect yourself and your investment.

RIGHT CONTRACTOR Job Done Correctly

WRONG CONTRACTOR Potential Risks

Hire a licensed contractor in good standing with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to ensure recourse through the CSLB complaint process.

“Check the License” at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling 800-321-2752

VS

Hiring an unlicensed contractor or a licensed contractor not in good standing may result in a poor or incomplete installation and limits your ability to seek financial redress.

Be sure the contractor carries workers’ compensation insurance when using employees so you won’t be financially responsible for any injuries sustained on the job.

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Using a contractor who does not carry workers’ compensation insurance may subject you to liability for the costs of medical care and rehabilitation for any worker(s) injured on your property.

Obtain a building permit so the building department can confirm proper installation through an inspection.

VS Forego a permit and there will be no independent 3rd-party inspection of the work and you may be charged fines and penalties.

Ensure that ducts are properly sealed and insulated to realize energy savings of up to 20%.

VS Improperly sealed and insulated duct systems leak, decreasing heating and cooling efficiency.

Receive a final inspection to confirm that your HVAC system is operating properly to yield energy savings—up to 300% over the life of the equipment.

VS HVAC units not subject to final inspection may reduce your system’s efficiency by up to 30%.

Contractors State License Board www.cslb.ca.gov | CheckTheLicenseFirst.com

Instant License Check Example from CSLB’s Website

License Status Look for the green text color next to “License Status” to make sure the selected license is active and eligible to perform work within the scope of the trade classification(s).

Workers’ Compensation Insurance If the selected contractor license indicates workers’ compensation insurance, work may be performed using employees who are covered under their policy. If workers’ compensation insurance is not indicated, the licensee has certified that employees do not work for the contractor.

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Contractors State License Board www.cslb.ca.gov | CheckTheLicenseFirst.com

HVAC Checklist

Licensed Contractor Hire a state-licensed contractor and verify that your contractor is in good standing at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752).

Obtain a Permit Make sure your contractor obtains a building permit from your local building department. Beware of any contractor that offers a lower price to install a unit without a permit; having a permit ensures work will be inspected.

3-Day Right to CancelMake sure your contract includes a 3-day right to cancel clause. Information about homeimprovement contracts can be found in the Consumers section of CSLB’s website.

Insurance Verify that your contractor has workers’ compensation (WC) and general liability insurance. WC insurance can be verified at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752). Homeowners may be financially liable for the cost of medical care for worker(s) who are injured on their property.

Written Contract Insist on a written, fix-priced contract and don’t sign anything until you completely understand the terms.

Down Payment Do not pay more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.

Payment Schedule Do not make payments ahead of the work. Keep a record of all payments.

Permit Inspections Make sure that your local building department performs all required inspections, including in progress and final inspections, and that there are not any correction notices or red tags. Inspections ensure proper installation.

Final Payment Do not make final payment before the final inspection has been conducted, the permit completed by the building department, and you are satisfied with the work.

Documentation Keep a file of all documents and photos related to your project.